David Filner assumed the administrative leadership of the San Antonio Symphony in November, 2012. Led by Music Director Sebastian Lang-Lessing, the San Antonio Symphony is celebrating its 73rd year this season.

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Hauntingly Beautiful Music

Last night (January 26) at Ruth Taylor Recital Hall at Trinity University, the SOLI CHAMBER ENSEMBLE completed its pair of concerts devoted to the music of Aaron Jay Kernis. One-composer concerts are certainly an artistic risk, but SOLI has no qualms about taking lots of risks. This one paid off with some of the most hauntingly beautiful music I’ve heard in a long time.

Like most contemporary composers, Kernis writes complex music at times. There are occasional dense textures, dissonant harmonies and complex counterpoint where it is hard to hear the relationship between the different parts. But Kernis uses these moments to setup up the structure of his music and provide contrast for his more introspective side. Without the complex, the simple might just be boring. But with this wonderful variety comes a unique sense of pacing and structure that allows Kernis to spin deliciously slow and introspective moments that are pure magic.

This music requires two different kinds of virtuosity and Ertan Torgul, violin; Stephanie Key, clarinet; Carolyn True, piano; and David Mollenauer, cello provided both kinds. First is the dazzling technique that Kernis demands. There are fast passages that border on the unplayable, but SOLI managed them all with flair. The second type of virtuosity required by Kernis is a rare sensitivity to indulge the slow and the simple. It is much easier to overdo a melody with lots of vibrato and call it expressive. It is a real accomplishment to pair down the music to its essential stillness and still sustain interest and momentum. This was rare virtuosic control of the most impressive and sensitive kind. A truly moving performance.

SOLI donated all ticket proceeds from this week’s concerts to Haitian relief. Their next NOT-TO-BE-MISSED performances are March 8-11. Read more at http://www.solichamberensemble.com/.